More Americans Taking Transit, Choosing Higher Fuel Economy

According to APTA's newest numbers this is the fifth consecutive quarter of growth for rail and bus systems. Americans took 2.7 billion trips on transit, with high gas prices helping to encourage the switch. But APTA notes that even when gas prices start to fall, riders stick with transit.

It isn’t just the big systems you might think about that are riding high, like NY or Chicago. Record ridership was recorded in Ann Arbor, MI; Charlotte, NC; Fort Myers, FL; Indianapolis, IN; Ithaca, NY; Oakland, CA; Olympia, WA; San Diego, CA; and Tampa, FL.

Both Administrator Szabo and the Post story reference U.S. PIRG's very thorough analysis of how much we are driving and why we are driving less. Nationally, those under 35 are driving less – dropping 23% between 2001 and 2009.

Younger Americans are not getting drivers licenses at the same rate as in the past. Getting on the bus or train gets you where you need to go, while you stay connected by smart phone or tablet (or read the paper or a book).

Shifts are not only afoot in how much we drive but also in what we choose to drive. A recent Consumer’s Union poll also revealed that 35% of Americans are driving less. And for Americans who are looking to buy a new car, fuel efficiency is now most important. Of those saddled with a gas guzzling large SUV, less than three in 10 said they'd buy another.

When there are good choices to make, Americans are making them. We are driving less and taking advantage of public transportation to get where we need to go. And those that do drive are considering fuel efficiency. Both trends are good news when it comes to moving beyond oil.

User comments or postings reflect the opinions of the responsible contributor only, and do not reflect the viewpoint of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. The Sierra Club accepts no obligation to review every posting, but reserves the right (but not the obligation) to delete postings that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate.